Thinkpads Forum

Hey good people of the thinkpad community.
I need your help in assisting me. I have a ThinkPad T510i with a i3 320M and intel graphics(yuk)
I would like your opinion and aid in selecting the most powerful processor for this machine.
I've done some homework and it seems that the i7 620 is the max this mobo can support.
I would like to get a mobo with the latest GPU for this gen or other gens if it fits.
I love this body style and i would be [censored] if I would have to get another notebook. (I just got this one)
but I am a mechanic by trade and I love the tech also. ThinkPads are no exception. I used to own a couple of 770E's
and 390x back BACK in the day. I am not nearly as knowledgeable as some of you here but i am willing to listen and learn.
Can I cram in another mobo with a nvidia gpu, what mods and parts would it take and how "beast" can i make this thing.
It would be nice to put my friends Razor Blade to shame (witch is already does;) I know I might not get a 7th gen i7
in there but share me your craziest thoughs. Thanks. Joe

I don't have a T510, but I can offer some advice.

1. Click the link "HMM" at the top, and download the T510 and T510i's Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM). It contains the disassembly instructions, and most importantly, the parts lists for these models, so you can have an idea with regards to CPU, board, and other upgrades.

2. The nVidia Quadro NVS 3100M isn't a powerful GPU by any stretch, so if you intend to play newer 3D games, you'll probably be disappointed.
Using an external GPU (eGPU setup) is the only way to get more powerful 3D graphics, but I have absolutely no experience with that.

For gaming T510 is even worse than previous year's T500 w/ 128 bit bus Radeon 3650. The T510's dedicated 64 bit bus NVS 3100m graphics are maybe 25% faster than its Intel HD integrated graphics and are a waste of power in an Optimus-lacking chipset with already poor energy efficiency. The NVS 3100m is even slower than the Intel integrated HD3000 Sandy Bridge graphics of a T520. T520's NVS 4200m dedicated graphics then are probably a step better, but it's memory is still slow 64 bit bus.


What you should get is a T530 with dedicated NVS 5400m graphics chip. It's even better than the last two since it's on the 128 bit bus. Externally T530 looks very similar to T510 but it's two generations newer, and features the love-it-or-hate-it island style precision keyboard. T530 is built of GFRP instead of CFRP in the T510, so it is lighter to carry (T520 also made of GFRP). If you like your T510's build very much but want something way faster, T530 with dedicated graphics is the way to go.

Cheers I'm going to check out the T530 be in touch. Thanks.

W520 is also something to consider if you prefer the classic keyboard. Faster graphics than anything in the T530 too.

Mind you the TDP of the W520's Quadro 2000m is 55watts compared to 35w TDP of the T530 NVS 5400m. But it is true, the most powerful laptop would be W520 or W530. But you would not be able to use a 90W Power Supply with a W-series, you would need a large 135w or 170w brick. Thankfully W520 does have Optimus so if you need battery life, you can get it with a W series.

Hmm this is all very good information. Now im just trying to sell my T510i in witch i managed to get a i5 520M and upgrade it hopefully it will sell. It was a compulsive buy.

Thank you also on discrete graphics regarding T530. That helps with my decision as well for future purchase. I'm glad that my T420 only have integrated GPU.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

Hey guys im looking at the w520's and there seems to be 2 models of the nvidia quadro 1000m and 2000m i believe. which model should i be looking at. I also looking for something that will last a while. Thanks fellas i appreciate any input given.

From what I have read on the forum, there is not much performance difference between 1000M and 2000M.
2000m is more rare (and more expensive).
If you are not needing the machine for video-editing and/or other intensive graphics, IMHO the 1000M will do fine.
Make sure though to look for a machine with Quad-CPU (i7-xxxxQM), only they have 4 RAM slots.

K great. I have my eye on a W520 and a Y510p there both the same price 700$ the Y510p looks like it has much better specs though but i love the body style of the W520 oh gawd decisions, decisions...

According to Passmark's benchmarks, the 2000M is about 42% faster than the 1000M. Honestly though the times I have Optimus use it instead of the iGPU is few and far between (though it's nice to have when I need it).